If you’re a fan of floral and fruity wines, you’ll know that few things in life are as satisfying, soothing and invigorating as taking a sip of refreshing Vinho Verde (‘green wine’). And what better place to tantalise your taste buds with this luscious liquid than in Portugal, its country of origin?
Courmayeur in the Italian Alps is quite unlike any other ski resort I have ever visited. That’s because, while it has more than its fair share of excellent, challenging skiing, wintersports is only one small part of this Alpine village’s special appeal. The fact is, Courmayeur is much more than a ski resort; it is an exclusive, elegant holiday destination which knows full well that satisfying its elite Italian and international clientele requires more than just great skiing. That is why, despite being a small Alpine village, it boasts an extraordinary concentration of some of the region’s best restaurants, which
Did you know that Monaco is the world’s second smallest city-state? (Bonus points for you if you know what the smallest one is!) If you’re travelling to this Mediterranean haven to uncover its wealth of cultural and natural landmarks, it couldn’t be easier: Nice Airport is merely a skip and a jump away. But while the 32-kilometre journey from Nice to Monaco takes an hour – or more – if you opt for public transportation, a transfer with Shuttle Direct will whisk you to the door of your accommodation in half the time. What’s more, you’re sure to have a
For many people around the world Spain is a country of flamenco dancing, bullfighting, sherry and tapas. Whilst not a true reflection of the country as a whole such a perception is close to the truth where the Andalucian city of Seville is concerned. Most cruise passengers arrive in Seville on shore excursions from the Port of Cádiz which lies 120km to the south. However, the Guadalquivir River is navigable for 75km from Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the Gulf of Cádiz to Seville for some smaller cruise ships. This allows a growing number of lucky passengers to slowly navigate their
The earliest references to the Roman city of Tarraco date back to the Second Punic War (218-201 BC) which marked the beginning of the Roman conquest of Hispania. Over the coming centuries it would become an important port city which provided supplies to Roman forces all over the peninsula. Today Tarraco is better known as Tarragona, a Spanish city lying 100km south-west of Barcelona on the coast of Catalonia. Its ‘archaeological ensemble’ is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site which is home to some of Spain’s finest Roman ruins. The Port of Tarragona has long played an important
From glamorous churches to fascinating museums, a trip to Italy is like entering a magical time warp – presuming, of course, that pizza and pasta were just as delicious several centuries ago! Although every ambitious tourist wanders through the ancient ruins of Rome and the winding streets of Venice, it’s worth venturing off the beaten path to fully immerse yourself in the country’s rich history. If you’re a true history buff, why not wave goodbye to the masses of tourists and opt for a more authentically Italian experience in its smaller cities? On our route from Venice Marco Polo Airport
The Spanish city of Santander lies 100km west of Bilbao on the Bay of Biscay in Cantabria. Its port has played a key role in the economy of the region for more than 2000 years thanks to its fishing and shipbuilding industries and as a trading post. Today it remains an important fishing port and welcomes frequent passenger ferry services operated by Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth in England. The volume of cruise ship traffic is very low at present more companies are beginning to add a day in Santander to their itineraries. The city has long been a
Up for a challenge? You got it: go ask 10 gourmands what the world’s food capital is. While this may sound like an easy question, it’s actually highly contested – and may even lead to a heated argument among foodies if you’re not careful. This squabble often revolves around cities like Bologna, Mendoza, New York and Tokyo. But while these usual contenders will always star in food lovers’ dreams, there’s one that’s often (and unfairly) overlooked: San Sebastián. Although some foodies may have a (literal) bone to pick with you if you bring up San Sebastián, this is probably because
Located on the southern tip of Spain overlooking the shipping lanes between the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans is the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Such strategic importance and the fact that this limestone rock is connected to mainland Spain by a narrow isthmus frequently provokes political disputes between the governments of the United Kingdom and Spain. The territory was permanently ceded to the British Crown by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 and its sovereignty is unlikely to change as long as the local people remains so fervently British in their allegiance. An overwhelming 98% of the population voted in
Attention, smartphone users: let’s talk about how to revolutionise your travels with your technological gadgets. No, I’m not talking about making your friends envious by documenting your adventures on Snapchat and Instagram – I’m talking about apps that you’ve probably never heard of, but that’ll save you time, money, nerves… you name it. Thanks to Dealchecker’s handy infographic, your holidays will be easier, safer, cheaper and more fun than ever before. So what are you waiting for? Get downloading! Snap and Share Okay, so I was lying when I said that these apps were mainly useful, instead of envy-inducing among
Snagged a sunny holiday deal in Gran Canaria’s Puerto Rico? ¡Estupendo! Whether you’re ready for a snooze in the sand or for the ultimate shopping spree, you’ll find that rest and relaxation are right at your fingertips. But while there’s often nothing better than getting pampered in your hotel or plopping down in the sand, why not mix things up with a bit of sightseeing? If a change of scenery every now and then sounds like your kind of getaway, you chose wisely – it takes minimal effort to venture outside of Puerto Rico and explore Gran Canaria’s natural and
With origins dating back to the 13th century the town of Palamós on Spain’s Costa Brava has long been established as an important fishing port. To this day the prawns which are landed here – ‘Gambas de Palamós’ – are much sought after by the best restaurants along the coast. Cruise ship passengers visiting Palamós can either enjoy a relaxing day in port with the option to sample some of these local seafood specialities or may prefer to head out on one of a number of exciting shore excursions. Port of Palamós As well as serving as a commercial
‘Paris, you are my happiness’ sang Edith Piaf back in 1949, and it’s clear a lot of people agree with her. The French capital invariably features in Top 10 lists of the world’s most visited destinations, and while Paris’s popularity is undoubtedly a reflection of its undeniable charms it can make visiting a trying experience at times. Are you desperate to ditch the crowds but not sure where to begin? Convinced that there are no ‘hidden gems’ left to discover? Think again. Take a minute or two to check out this assortment of left-field experiences before your next trip, and
